MI Workshops

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MI Workshops

Bringing your creative projects to life ...
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21/05/2026

From model box to opening night.
The Ladies Football Club

Johan Persson Photography
Grace Smart - Designer
Director - Elizabeth Newman

30/04/2026

Most of our work is seen long before the audience arrives.

In the workshop, sets begin as drawings, plans, and tiny model boxes — and from there our team builds everything full scale, piece by piece. We know every detail of the construction process, but we rarely get to see the finished set in its final environment.

That’s why production photos are always special for the workshop crew.

Seeing the scenery under stage lighting, surrounded by performers, costumes, and the atmosphere of the show is when everything finally comes together. It’s the moment we get to step back and see months of craftsmanship brought to life.

Production photography gives us the chance to appreciate the final result from a completely different perspective — and it never gets old.

Production: Comedy About Spies
Production Photography: Matt Crockett

17/04/2026

Behind the scenes at MI Workshops Ltd 🔥

What looks like shattered glass flying across the set is actually carefully crafted resin — designed to capture the drama of an explosive moment without the danger.

For this project, we created custom “glass” shards to simulate bottles smashing into a back wall. Every piece is lightweight, safe, and built to perform under pressure while still delivering that high-impact visual.

It’s all about combining safety with realism — because the best effects are the ones you believe are real.

Spot the scenic sample board in the background .... all for the same grungy '80's night club effect.

16/04/2026

🐾 Meet the real bosses of MI Workshops…

From the enthusiastic greeter to the laid-back supervisor, our four workshop dogs each bring their own personality to the team—and to your visit.
They might not handle the tools, but they’re experts in welcoming customers, boosting morale, and making the workshop a more enjoyable place to be.
If you’ve been in recently, you’ve probably met at least one of them. If not… you’re in for a treat next time 👀

10/03/2026

From workshop bench to stage.

The first image shows a hand-painted Victorian-style clock face, created in the workshop. Every numeral, mark, and bit of aging was painted by hand to give it the character and history you’d expect from a period piece.

The second photo shows it installed in the finished trick grandfather clock, ready for use on stage.

Props like this may only appear briefly in a production, but a lot of craftsmanship and problem solving goes into making them look authentic while still working as a practical stage effect.

09/03/2026

From Milla Clarke’s detailed model box to a full-scale flying set for The Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny with English National Opera.

What looks like a simple metal container on stage was a complex build behind the scenes. Using mixed truss previously used by ENO, the team created the structural framework — a giant 3D jigsaw that allows the set to fly and transform.

On stage it becomes many things: the truck bringing Begbick, Moses and Fatty to Mahagonny, a brothel, a hurricane shelter and more.

Great to see 5⭐ reviews and sold-out shows.
Photography: Tristam Kenton

04/03/2026

Behind the scenes at a recent overnight paint call 🎨🌙

We were delighted to work alongside Sheffield Theatres on their fantastic production of The Ladies Football Club, currently running until 28th March at Crucible Theatre.

From the initial model box capturing the designer’s vision, right through to the final finishes and detailed scenic art, it’s been a truly rewarding production to be part of.

A huge thank you to everyone involved – we’re proud to have played our part in bringing this show to life. ✨

Designer Grace Smart

02/03/2026

Dry boots ...
After what feels like weeks of grey skies, relentless rain and battling the wind between buildings, it’s a welcome sight to see the sun finally shining ☀️

The yard in front of the workshops is thankfully starting to dry out, and for the first time in a while, walking from barn to barn isn’t an obstacle course of puddles and sideways rain. It’s amazing what a bit of blue sky can do — not just for the ground underfoot, but for everyone’s mood and productivity too.

Days like this are a reminder that progress isn’t always just about the big milestones. Sometimes it’s simply about appreciating the small wins — dry boots, calmer weather, and a clear run between workshops.

Here’s hoping this is the start of a settled spell and a productive week ahead.

25/02/2026

Excited to share a show reel for 2025, showcasing a selection of productions from throughout the year.
Show Reel produced by Callum Whittington

Featuring photo credits:
- A Christmas Carol - Harry Elletson
- Aliens Love Panta Claus - Jonathan Pryke
- Stalled - Johan Persson
- Hot Mess - Mark Senior
- Dead Man Walking ENO - Manuel Harlan
- Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf - Marc Brenner
- Two Gentlemen of Verona - Helen Murray
- Murder She Didn't Write - Pamela Raith
- The Comedy About Spies - Matt Crockett

05/02/2026

Where the magic really begins 🎨
Colour mixes. Notes. Ideas in motion.

A scenic artist’s notebook — well loved and full of creativity.

Address

The Grain Store, Billesley Manor Farm
Alcester
B496NF

Telephone

+441789330244

Website

http://www.miworkshops.co.uk/, https://www.miworkshops.co.uk/latest-news

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